Making Caring Common
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A gratitude-filled holiday book list

 
 
 

Looking for holiday gifts for younger kids? Or just want to add some extra gratitude to your holiday season? We’ve got you covered.

Making Caring Common’s Caring Schools Network (CSN) team shared some of their favorite gratitude-focused books for young kids (along with links to audio of the books being read aloud). Looking for an even deeper dive into gratitude? Read through the reflection questions at the end of the book list below.

Happy holidays, and happy reading!

Books for building gratitude

Thank You, Mr. Falker, by Patricia Polacco

This is the true story of a dyslexic girl (the author of the book!) and the teacher who knew she could succeed. She expresses her gratitude to Mr. Falker in this book.

Also try: Thank You Mr. Falker YouTube Read-Aloud

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson

In this story, CJ and his Nana take a weekly bus trip across town. Nana shares a perspective of gratitude for the everyday things in their life.

Also try: Last Stop on Market Street YouTube Read-Aloud

Harvest Days: Giving Thanks Around the World by Kate DePalma

This book shares the origins and traditions of harvest holidays around the world and teaches readers how to give thanks for the food we have.

Also try: Harvest Days YouTube Book Preview

Thanks a Million by Nikki Grimes, Illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera

Through a variety of poems the author explores the value of relationships and expresses gratitude for the moments that bring us together.

Also try: Thanks a Million YouTube Read-Aloud (Story starts at minute 4)

An Awesome Book of Thanks by Dallas Clayton

This book explores all the wonderful everyday things around us we can be thankful for.

Also try: An Awesome Book of Thanks YouTube Read-Aloud

Gracias/Thanks by Pat Mora, Illustrated by John Parra

Written in both English and Spanish, a boy recounts the things he is thankful for.

Also try: Gracias/Thanks YouTube Read-Aloud

Questions for reflection while reading

  • What are the characters in the stories grateful for?

  • How do the characters show gratitude?

  • How do the characters feel when they show gratitude?

  • What types of things were the characters in these stories grateful for? People, things, feelings, places?

  • Who helped the characters and why did they help them?

  • Can you find similarities between the characters' feelings of being grateful and your own?

Posted by Alison Cashin, Director of Communications

 

More news and updates

Blog, All What's NewAli CashinSocial-Emotional Learning, Parenting, Caring and Empathy